Behavioral Disorders

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What Is Behavioral Disorder?

Behavioral disorders, also known as disruptive behavioral disorders, are the most common reasons that parents are told to take their kids for mental health assessments and treatment. Behavioral disorders are also common in adults. If left untreated in childhood, these disorders can negatively affect a person’s ability to hold a job and maintain relationships.

What Are the Signs of a Behavioral Disorder?

Someone who has a behavioral disorder may act out or display emotional upset in different ways, which will also vary from person to person.

Emotional Symptoms of Behavioral Disorders

1.
Easily getting annoyed or nervous
4.
Often appearing angry
2.
Putting blame on others
5.
Refusing to follow rules or questioning authority
3.
Arguing and throwing temper tantrums
6.
Having difficulty handling frustration

Physical Symptoms of Behavioral Disorders

Unlike other types of health issues, a behavioral disorder will have mostly emotional symptoms, with physical symptoms such as a fever, rash, or headache being absent. However, sometimes people suffering from a behavioral disorder will develop a substance abuse problem, which could show physical symptoms such as burnt fingertips, shaking, or bloodshot eyes.

What Causes a Behavioral Disorder?

A behavioral disorder is an abnormal behavior that is usually associated with these disorders and can be traced back to biological, family, and school-related factors.

Some biological causes may include:

  • Physical illness or disability
  • Malnutrition
  • Brain damage
  • Hereditary factors

Other factors related to an individual’s home life may contribute to behaviors associated with a behavioral disorder:

  • Divorce or other emotional upset at home
  • Coercion from parents
  • Unhealthy or inconsistent discipline style
  • Poor attitude toward education or schooling

What are the risk factors for behavioral disorders?

A number of factors increase the risk of developing behavioral disorders. Not all people with risk factors will develop behavioral disorders. Risk factors for behavioral disorders include:

  • Child abuse
  • Difficulty interpreting the actions or intent of others
  • Family history of mental illness or substance abuse
  • Fetal exposure to tobacco or illicit drugs
  • Inconsistent, harsh discipline
  • Lack of supervision
  • Male gender
  • Parental substance abuse
  • Poor social skills
  • Stressful home or school environment
  • Unstable home life (unsupervised, transient, homeless)

What are the risk factors for behavioral disorders?

A number of factors increase the risk of developing behavioral disorders. Not all people with risk factors will develop behavioral disorders. Risk factors for behavioral disorders include:
  • Child abuse
  • Difficulty interpreting the actions or intent of others
  • Unstable home life (unsupervised, transient, homeless)
  • Family history of mental illness or substance abuse
  • Fetal exposure to tobacco or illicit drugs
  • Inconsistent, harsh discipline
  • Lack of supervision
  • Poor social skills
  • Male gender
  • Parental substance abuse
  • Stressful home or school environment

What are the potential complications of behavioral disorders?

Complications of untreated or poorly controlled behavioral disorders can be serious, even life-threatening in some cases. You can help minimize your child’s risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your healthcare professional designed specifically for your child. Complications of behavioral disorders include:

  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Development of personality disorders
  • Difficulties holding a job
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Increased risk of injury
  • Law violations and legal troubles
  • Peer relationship problems
  • Scholastic problems or failure
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Social isolation
  • Suicide
  • Violent behavior

Ways to Prevent Behavior Problems Before They Start

Develop a Healthy Relationship.

Play games, have fun, and create memories. The stronger your relationship, the more motivated your child will become to listen to your rules.

Make the Rules Clear.

Create a written list of household rules and display them prominently in your home. Explain the rules when you enter into new situations

Explain the Consequences.

Once you’ve explained the rules, tell your child what will happen if he breaks the rules. Your child will be less likely to challenge the rules or test limits if he knows how you’re going to respond.

Provide Structure.

Create a schedule for your child that outlines when he should do his homework when he needs to complete his chores, and when he can have free time. When kids get used to the structure, they’re much more likely to respond positively.

Praise Good Behavior.

Praise your child’s efforts and offer praise whenever you see behaviors that you want to see repeated.

Work as a Team.

Work together with your partner, your child’s babysitter, or teachers to discuss discipline strategies and behaviors that need to be addressed.

Talk About Feelings.

When kids have an understanding of their feelings, they’re more likely to gain control of their behavior. Teach your child anger management skills and specific skills for dealing with uncomfortable emotions like fear, sadness, frustration, and disappointment.

Teach Impulse Control.

When kids can control their impulses, they are less likely to react aggressively or defiantly. Teach your child impulse control skills with various games and discipline strategies.

Plan Ahead

Be proactive in preventing behavior problems by planning ahead. Identify potential problems before they start.

What Are the Types of Behavioral Disorders?

Anxiety disorders
Emotional disorders
Disruptive behavioral disorders
Pervasive developmental disorders
Dissociative disorders

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood. It is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is defined by difficulties with social communication and interaction skills, and repetitive behaviors. Learn more about this condition.

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood. It is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is defined by difficulties with social communication and interaction skills, and repetitive behaviors. Learn more about this condition.

Eating Disorders

The term eating disorders refers to a variety of conditions that involve abnormal eating behaviors. Learn more about two of the most common eating disorders in children, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a serious mental health problem in which a child has a lot of worry and fear that seems to have no real cause. Learn more about this condition.

Learning Disorders

A learning disorder is when a child has trouble learning in certain school subjects.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) includes thoughts and obsessions (impulses or images) that occur over and over, and that causes a child or teen to feel a great deal of distress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is diagnosed when a child has recurring panic attacks and ongoing concerns about having more attacks for longer than one month.

PANS/PANDAS

PANS and PANDAS are diagnoses that often include the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder or eating restrictions and symptoms from at least two of seven categories. Learn more about this condition.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent depressive disorder is a type of depression in which a child has a low, sad, or irritable mood for at least 1 year.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the ongoing reaction and stress following exposure to a traumatic event.

Diagnosis of Behavioral Disorder

It is important to consult a mental health professional if a child may have a behavioral disorder. A specialist can diagnose the disorder through an assessment process. This may include:
  • child observation
  • behavior checklists
  • standardized questionnaires
  • interviews with parents, caregivers, or teachers
It is not possible for parents or caregivers to diagnose behavioral disorders themselves. An early diagnosis can significantly improve the effectiveness of treatments.
But many child psychologists will not diagnose a behavioral disorder in very young children, particularly those of preschool age or younger. This is because it can be challenging to distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior in this age group.

How are behavioral disorders treated?

Regular medical care for your child is an important first step in the prevention and treatment of behavioral disorders. This allows a healthcare professional to screen for and evaluate potential symptoms of a behavioral disorder.

Treatment often focuses on skill development for the child and parents. Children may benefit from cognitive development programs, social interaction skills training, and adaptive skills training. Parental skills training can also be beneficial. Educational, community, and social programs may be available.

Psychological assessments and psychotherapy or other types of therapy may be helpful, especially if the mood or other disorders are also present.

What you can do to improve your child's behavioral disorder?

Part of the parenting skills training focuses on learning interventions to help improve your child’s behavior. These interventions include:
  • Allowing your child to make concrete but limited decisions, such as choosing between a white or green shirt
  • Avoiding rationalizing and ignoring poor behavior
  • Avoiding reinforcing bad behaviors by giving in to the child’s demands
  • Developing a clear system of rewards and punishments
  • Disciplining selectively based on the severity of the incident and only when you are calm
  • Setting clear expectations
  • Avoiding inadvertently punishing improved behavior by suggesting it wasn’t good enough
  • Getting involved in your child’s activities
  • Modeling and teaching your child acceptable behaviors
  • Redirecting your child to a safe and appropriate environment for activities
  • Reducing stress at home
  • Rewarding appropriate behavior

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a child have mental health difficulties?
Yes, childhood mental health conditions affect many children and families, including boys and girls of all ages and backgrounds. It is estimated that 13-20% of children living in the United States (up to 1 in 5) experience a mental health condition. Without early diagnosis and treatment, this can lead to problems at home, in school, and in forming friendships. It can also impact healthy development and problems that can continue into adulthood.
2. How do I know if my child has a serious mental health problem?

Mental health conditions can cause changes in the way children learn, behave, or handle their emotions, which can cause distress and difficulty with daily functioning. Although some difficulties are a normal part of development, others require professional help. Seek help if your child experiences:

  • Persistent sadness, anxiety, or fear- 2 or more weeks
  • Significant changes in eating habits or sleep
  • Withdrawal from or avoiding interaction with others, including friends and family
  • Outbursts or extreme irritability
  • Drastic changes in mood, behavior, or personality
  • Changes in grades or school performance
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • No longer enjoys activities that they previously enjoyed
  • Avoiding or missing school
  • Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself
  • Talking about death or suicide

Seeking help early is important, and children who receive the right help can go on to live full and healthy lives.

3. Can childhood mental health conditions be treated?
Yes! There are many treatment options based on the best and most current research that can help manage and treat childhood mental health concerns. Early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and their families is important in helping children be successful.
4. What is therapy?
Therapy is a way to help children and adolescents address mental health difficulties. Therapy sessions can include: Talking one-on-one with a psychologist, either individually or with family members Playing, art, activities, and therapeutic games to help children express their feelings and thoughts Role-playing to build new skills Learning and practicing relaxation and coping skills Often includes homework such as journaling or practicing skills between sessions to help generalize skills learned in therapy For the most common childhood conditions, like ADHD, behavior disorders, anxiety, or depression, approaches such as behavior therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy are most likely to reduce symptoms.
3. What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder (Manic Mood disorder) is an unusual mood disorder where a person’s mood fluctuates, thereby affecting mood, energy levels, activity levels, and day-to-day tasks. Bipolar disorder has two main phases – a manic phase & depressive phase. The manic phase is an extremely happy, elated ‘up’ phase whereas the depressive phase is a sad, down-trodden ‘down’ hopeless phase. The person having an ‘up’ phase will be irritated, feel jumpy, will have excess energy, will try to do multiple activities, be more active than usual, have too many thoughts, be reckless in their behavior. The person having a ‘down’ phase will be sad, and hopeless, have little energy, decreased appetite, disturbed sleep pattern, and thoughts of suicide.

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If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these behavioral disorders, it is important to get help as soon as possible, because these conditions can affect your quality of life to such a degree that they may lead to self-harm. Please call for assistance.
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